I entered Jos with some trepidation, but with an open mind, and a five year nostalgia waiting to be assuaged. I also went with an exhilaration reserved for a beautiful place that has gone with me everywhere I went since we first met. When I left the town a few hours later in the evening of Tuesday, I left with some sadness, and a mild confusion as to where the State is headed, and where the crises will lead. On the one hand are ubiquitous police patrols at every hundred metres from Ta Hoss to Makira to Riyom, and on the other hand is a town that still moves as it always does, cheerful, without any hint of danger. Well, welcome to Jos.

Picture #3 is the sign at Kuru which reads: “Nigerian Railway Corporation: The Highest Point in Nigerian Railway. 1318.20 metres or 4324 ft above sea level.

Picture #8 is the famous Riyom rocks that have stood in that delicate design since centuries.

Picture #9 is a carver I saw in Jos, making mortar and pestles with his hand, a chisel and a wooden mallet.

Can’t believe that railway sign is still at Kuru- it was there 50 years ago when I lived there as a kid – it does look like the same one! I’d love to download the pic for personal use if I may?
Did the school at Kuru get embroiled in the awful events, do you know?

Hey Ruth. You lived in Jos 50 years ago? Wow! Wonder what it must be like living there in those days. I’m curious.
Yes, the sign remains there at the railway although the words on it have now worn off very much. The sign itself is now barely standing. Yes please, please help yourself to the picture.

I don’t know what became of the Kuru school, but the last time I was in its compound, we were having the orientation camp of the NYSC a few years ago. When I passed by there in the summer of 2010, it was still standing, though not used as the NYSC camp anymore. I have not heard that anything bad happened in there.

My sister, Karen and I also lived in Jos 50 years ago. I remember the sign in Kuru too! My mother taught at the school there. In fact we are having a reunion of the Jos Plateau today. It was great to read your message . Thanks